Dill, Onion & Cottage Cheese Bread

This recipe has been around as long as I can remember (& that’s a pretty long time!) in one form or the other. I’ve seen it on the Pillsbury, Daisy Brand & Pioneer Woman sites to name but a very few. The ingredients are always the same, but they vary with the amount of leavening they include More yeast of course, results in a lighter loaf of bread. A lesser amount will resemble more of a bread casserole. Some of the recipes call for dill seed, others for dill weed. In any case, they are both very delicious, and just a matter of preference. If you’re new to bread-making, this would be a great introduction for you, as there’s no real kneading and the preparation results in a pretty full proof outcome.

Dill Onion & Cottage Cheese Bread

Ingredients;

2 – 2/3 flour

2 tablespoons sugar

3 teaspoons dried onion flakes

2 teaspoons dill weed

1 teaspoon salt

1 pkg active dry yeast = 2 – 1/2 teaspoons

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon butter (plus a little extra to spread on top after baking)

1 cup small curd cottage cheese

1 egg

Directions:

Combine the dry ingredients (1 cup of the flour, sugar, onion flakes, dill weed, salt, baking soda, yeast) and mix well. Using a small saucepan, heat the water, 1 tablespoon butter, & the cottage cheese until very warm (120 – 130 F). Add the warm liquid to the dry, add the egg, and mix well (or use an electric mixer on low speed). Add in the remaining 1 – 2/3 cups flour, forming a stiff batter, or soft dough (Note: It may be necessary to add a little less flour if that’s all it will absorb). Place the dough into a large greased bowl, turning once. Cover loosely with a plastic wrap or cloth towel. Let rise until doubled, 45 to 60 minutes.

Punch the dough down, and place in a buttered 1 – 1/2 or 2 quart casserole dish. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 to 45 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Remove the covering and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until nicely golden browned and done. Place on a cooling rack, and brush with butter.

Recipe Notes:

Don’t be concerned about adding cottage cheese, you won’t detect it in the finished bread. Cottage cheese just adds to a beautiful moist texture that’s you’ll love!